In January 2026, International Women’s Peace Group (IWPG) took another step toward strengthening education-based peacebuilding in Southeast Asia by forming a new academic partnership in the Philippines.
On January 23, 2026, IWPG Global Region 1 signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Leyte Normal University (LNU) through an online ceremony, establishing formal cooperation to promote peace education and enhance the capacity of women and youth through education.
Building Peace Through Education and Partnership
The agreement reflects a shared commitment by both institutions to expand a culture of peace at the local, national, and international levels. Rather than remaining at the level of dialogue, the partnership focuses on practical collaboration, particularly in the development and implementation of peace education programs.
As outlined in the agreement, IWPG and LNU plan to:
Deliver women’s peace education programs to approximately 200 teachers
Proceed toward a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to formalize project execution
Develop and implement joint education-based peace projects
Through these initiatives, the two institutions aim to reinforce education as a foundation for sustainable peace and community resilience.
Leadership Commitment From Both Institutions
During the signing ceremony, Dr. Myra Abayon, Vice President for Research, Innovation, Extension, and Internationalization at LNU, introduced the agreement. The MOU was formally signed by Dr. Gill Nisetaz B. Villarino, President of Leyte Normal University, and Kang Yeon-kyung, Global Director of IWPG Global Region 1.
Dr. Villarino described the partnership as a meaningful turning point that encourages understanding, strengthens the role of women and youth, and supports broader participation in peacebuilding. He expressed hope that values rooted in harmony and mutual respect would extend beyond national boundaries through this collaboration.
Kang Yeon-kyung emphasized the role of education as a powerful tool for peace, noting that the agreement represents an important starting point for helping future generations actively practice peace in their daily lives.
Strengthening Women-Led Peace Education Networks
IWPG continues to expand its global peace network through partnerships with educational institutions and civil society organizations. By working with universities such as Leyte Normal University, IWPG seeks to embed peace education within teacher training and academic environments, ensuring that peace values reach classrooms and communities in a sustainable way.
This collaboration in the Philippines highlights how women-led peace education, supported by academic institutions, can contribute to long-term social stability and international cooperation—beginning with educators and extending outward to future generations.
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